Our History
In Our Second Century
Founded as the Blue Ridge Industrial School in 1909 by Reverend George Pickett Mayo, the school’s early mission was to provide a vocational education for boys and girls who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to realize their rich potential.
Today, Blue Ridge School is dedicated to providing a sound college-prep education for capable and willing young men. In our supportive, structured community, self-esteem is founded upon solid accomplishment in the classroom, on athletic fields, in the arts, and in a host of co-curricular activities.
1909
Founded by Reverend Mayo of the Virginia Diocese of the Episcopal Church. Mayo would lead the school until 1944.
1910
The School opened to approximately thirty-five boys and girls in January and many of the School’s original buildings were completed.
1918
The School’s first commencement was held and Eveline and Bannie Morris were awarded diplomas.
1929
The cornerstone for the Gibson Memorial Chapel was laid. Built of native stone by local craftsmen and designed by noted architect Ralph Adam Cram, the Chapel was completed in 1932.
1935
The Martha Bagby Battle House, originally known as Memorial Hall, was constructed. It now houses the Admissions, Alumni, and Advancement Offices.
1942
Mrs. Will Reeves Gregg, a co-founder of the New York Auxiliary, was appointed to the Board of Trustees—one of the first two women to serve the School in that capacity. She was a rock of support and an active Board member until 1984.
1946
Reverend Dewey Loving took the reins of Blue Ridge School and led until 1959. Loving graduated from Blue Ridge in 1923, making him the only alumnus to become our Headmaster.
1947
Blue Ridge opened a new academic building, which is still in use today.
1959
A tornado hit Blue Ridge School, killing one, damaging many buildings, and destroying more than 150 trees.
1961
Academic programs were suspended for the year as BRS converted into an all-boys, college-prep boarding school. Robert A. Wilson was named Headmaster.
1962
With a student body of only 66 boys, Blue Ridge played its first season of football. Newly appointed Athletic Director James “Stimp” Hawkins coached the team and remained head football coach until 1968.
1963
Hatcher C. Williams was appointed Headmaster and began an influential term that lasted until 1984.
1966
The first international student graduates from Blue Ridge School. Now approximately 20% of the student body comes from abroad.
1970
Blue Ridge School hired Mrs. Alice Wesley Ivory, its first African-American teacher. She led the Art Department and her own work was displayed in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
1973
Blue Ridge School’s first art exhibition, featuring the work of 160 professional artists and 29 BRS students. The show has become an annual tradition.
1975
Our wrestling team, coached by Dick Glover, finished with a 12-2 record and won the National Prep Tournament.
1984
The multi-million dollar Massey Athletic Complex was given by alumni Bill Massey and his family in honor of former BRS Headmaster Hatcher Williams.
1987
History Teacher Jordan C. Churchill retired following a 57-year career.
1992
Dr. Edward McFarlane is appointed Headmaster. He served until 2000.
1993
The Hatcher C. Williams Library and the Administration Center were dedicated.
1993
The Gibson Memorial Chapel was named a Virginia Historic Landmark.
1994
The Barons football team won its first State Championship.
1999
A grant allowed Blue Ridge School to double the Gateway Trails to 10 miles and formally began the School’s Outdoors Program.
2009
The New York Auxiliary marked 100 years of continuous fundraising support of Blue Ridge School.
2009
Dr. John O’Reilly was appointed Headmaster. A former Blue Ridge School math instructor, assistant football coach and Academic Dean, he was responsible for creating the Character Education program.
2012
William “Trip” Darrin III was named Headmaster.
2016
The Baron Athletic Complex, which includes a multi-sport turf field, a track, new soccer fields, a golf practice range, and significant upgrades to the baseball stadium, was completed.
2018
Architectural Digest named Blue Ridge School one of the most beautiful independent schools in America.
2018
Franck Germain BRS ’18 produced Decatur 404, the first student-written and student-directed winter musical.
2020
A global pandemic forced all schools, including Blue Ridge School, to cease in-person operations. BRS students were on spring break when the announcement came that they would complete their classes through video conferencing. In-person graduation was delayed until July 25, 2020.
2022
In January 2022, Blue Ridge School opened a new dining hall in the space that was previously the Williams Library. The new facility replaced the dining hall that had been in use since the construction of (new) Mayo Hall in 1968.
